North America Travel Options

Travel Options and Convenient Accommodations:

Convenient lodging is provided for all students during class sessions at the Silver Cloud Hotel University District near the UW campus. Lodging is based on double occupancy. Students may request single rooms in which case they pay one-half of the lodging expense.

Hotel shuttle transportation is pre-arranged between the hotel and UW on class days.

Seattle’s international airport, SeaTac, offers easy access from most major cities in the U.S. and Canada. Students in the North America class are eligible for reduced-rate airfare, through our travel partner, to attend classes and residence sessions. Cab fares from the airport to the UW or Silver Cloud U-District are approximately $50 each way. By car, travel time from SeaTac to UW is approximately 25-30 minutes

Sound Transit operates the regional train and bus service including the Sounder and Central Link Light Rail trains. King County Metro, the public transit agency serving King County, and has twice been honored as the best-run large public transportation system in North America, provides easy bus transit throughout Seattle including to the University District.

Amtrak operates between Portland or Vancouver, B.C. and Seattle as well as other Northwest locations.

The Sounder and Amtrak arrive in downtown Seattle at the King Street Station. Taxis are generally waiting. Cab fares from downtown to the UW or Silver Cloud Hotel U-District are approximately $25 each way. By car, travel time from the King Street Station to UW is approximately 10-15 minutes.

At present, the Central Link Light Rail stops at the Westlake Station in downtown Seattle. The “light rail” can be taken from SeaTac to downtown. Travel time between Sea-Tac and the Westlake Station is approximately 40-45 minutes. U-Pass holders, includes all UW students, can use the light rail as part of their riding privileges. Express buses (including the 71, 72, and 73) connect from the Westlake Station to the University District. Taxis are also available at Westlake street level. By taxi, travel time from Westlake to UW is approximately 15-20 minutes.